Friday, 2 May 2014

CC3C (1) Me shell

Hi Everyone,

Today I want to share with you a project I have made for my entry into a new challenge which is being run by the incredibly talented Linda Ledbetter of Studio L3. This challenge is basically based on the techniques shown in Tim Holtz's new Compendium of Curiosities Volume III and if you love the work of Tim Holtz as much as I do, this book is a must have. The challenge, which runs fortnightly, is being sponsored this time by Inspiration Emporium who are awarding a $50 voucher to spend in the shop also, all participants are given a promo code to received 10% off any purchase at Inspiration Emporium! Alternative weeks will be sponsored by the lovely Linda Coughlin of the Funkie Junkie Boutique. If you want to find out what you have to do to join in the fun, click on this link(Compendium of Curiosities Challenge 3)

Challenge 1 is based on Tim's Paint Marbling technique which you will find on page 43 of the new book. We are not allowed to show you how to do the actual technique in respect to Tim's hard work putting the book together, (another reason why it is a must have) but this is what I created.

I have used the Paint marbling technique 3 times on this piece, each with slightly different colours to create a layered look and the frame. I have just taken delivery of the new Nautical Blueprint stamp set from Stampers Anonymous, and it is gorgeous, I can tell already this is going to be one of my favourite summer stamps sets. I wanted to give the shell a realistic look as much as I could so I stamped it using Vintage Photo DI, followed by Vintage Photo embossing powder which gave it a nice rusty looking texture. I coloured the 'inside' of the seashell using Perfect Pearls to give a lovely shimmery pearl inner. I pondered for quite some time as to what to use to give the rest of the shell a rough realistic finish. The answer became obvious after a while. I stamped and embossed again on a separate piece of white card as before, and then carefully applied Versamark with a pen to effectively 'colour in' the shell and then sprinkled Antique linen embossing powder over it. The combination of the two colours gave a lovely sandy effect but lacked true colour.

A little time spent painting over parts of the embossed areas with Spiced Marigold and Rusty Hinge distress paint with a water brush gave me the colour I was happy with. I fussy cut the shell and also cut out the inside area to show off the pearl. I used a ball tool on the reverse of the shell to shape it a little, put silicone glue in the centre of the shaped area and strong pva over the edges, placed it over the original stamp on the card and kept pressing down the edges until they bonded and left it to dry.

Once my seashell was dry, I came to mount it on the marbled backing and thought it looked a bit plain. This was soon resolved with a little bit of tearing and inking around the edges, it also gave a much better view of the darker marbling on the backing sheet.

The frame started life as just a piece of plain white card, coloured with the Marbling technique and scored with my Hougie Board, and inked to bring out the detail. The centre was cut out to fit the picture and then a combination of 3d foam layers gave it depth. I used black foam on the inside so it would not show as much through the aperture.

I love beach combing whenever I am on holiday and so I have no shortage of little shells, real dried seaweed, crab shells and bits of driftwood, rope etc, for decoration within the frame.

In my front garden, it is a pretend beach in parts with the coloured pebbles and a lobster pot that houses my collection of larger beach combing finds, together they gave me a perfect backdrop for the photo. In case you are wondering, the sand is a cork sheet I put there just for the photo.

I do hope you have enjoyed a little journey to the seashore with my meshell!!,

16 comments:

Both the frame and the centre piece look fantastic Mo! Love the colours and effect of the marbling and the way you did the shell is so clever and gives a real feeling of depth. The way you finished and photographed it all looks brilliant!

The perfect pearls on the inside of the shell to create the mother of pearl effect was genius. I am little late with saying thank you for the kind message you left on my blog. I am on holiday so getting on the net has been limited to a few minutes here and there when there is a connection. It meant a lot to me to read your sweet comments - thank you.

This looks great here Mo but looks even better in the flesh - the texture is fabulous - its going to look beautiful in your fabulous seaside room too! Thanks again for a wonderful day yesterday - you definitely are the hostess with the mostest!!!! Big Hugs rachel xx

Hi Mo, I am trying to leave a comment again..... I love your beautiful hanging and I loved seeing it in real life! The texture you have got on the shell is fantastic, your background is beautifully subtle and the frame is gorgeous. I love how you photographed it next to the lobster pot and like Rachel says, I think it will look beautiful in your seaside room. Hugs, Anne xxx

Hi Mo. Your piece for CC3C is so pretty. I love the blue marbled background. It is perfect for a nautical themed piece. Your textured sea shell really makes you piece. I also love the colors and the way you finished off your frame. The addition of the real sea shell also makes for nice dimension. I am like you, if I'm at a beach, I'm always looking for shells. This is a really pretty piece! Thanks so much for sharing your art with everyone at CC3C. <3 Candy

Hi Mo there is some genius crafting going on with this lovely project! Your shell is gorgeous love the texture and the way you've given it that touch of pearl . I thought that you had used a wooden frame and was amazed to see that it is actually scored card ! Another touch of brilliance! Your marbled colours are perfect for this lovely piece xx